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Ординатура / Хирургия / Библиотека им академика М.И. Перельмана / Книга_4507_Библиотеки_им_академика_М_И_Перельмана.pdf
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482
G. Tanyeri Toker et al.
gain ratio is 22:1. The ideal theoretical gain is 28dB.Normally, the middle ear gain varies according to frequency and is often less than assumed. The average gain is 20dB between 250 and 500Hz and 25dB at 1000Hz and decreases by 6dB per octave at higher frequencies [32].
The effects of ossiculoplasty on hearing mechanics are inuenced by factors such as the hardness, weight, location, position, and tension of the reconstructed ossicles, and their stability at both ends of the reconstruction. Reconstruction materials typically meet the necessary criteria for hardness. In terms of weight, a material weighing up to 16 times the weight of the stapes results in hearing loss of less than 10dB [34]. For optimal results, the tympanic membrane/graft should contact the posterosuperior quadrant, ensuring a material contact surface of not less than 3–4mm in terms of location [35]. The angle between the mate­rial and the stapes should not exceed 45°, as excessive length may induce unwanted tension and cause conductive hearing loss. However, there is no objective method for measuring tension. Additionally, stability at both ends of the material may not be achieved in the absence of a stapes head [32]. For opti­mal hearing results in stapedotomy, the diameter of the material used should be at least 0.6mm [34]. When ossiculoplasty is performed, the continuity of the ossicular chain can be achieved surgically; however, increasing the leverage effect is not feasible [36].

24.4 Indications/Contraindications

Ossiculoplasty is a common procedure undertaken to address conductive hearing loss caused by ossicular chain erosion secondary to prolonged inammation of the middle ear. Approximately 45%–50% of patients exhibit an incus-long crus defect as this ossicle is particularly vulnerable to ossicle erosion and has the poorest blood supply [1]. The second most common erosion was observed in the stapes, while the malleus was highly resistant to erosion. The indications and
Table 24.1 Indications and contraindications of ossiculoplasty
Indications Contraindications Erosion or xation caused by cholesteatoma
and chronic otitis media (COM) Ossicular chain defects (fracture/dislocation)
secondary to trauma [37] Congenital anomalies (underdevelopment,
abnormal development, or xation of ossicles) [38]
Otosclerosis Short life expectancy
Acute infection of the middle ear
Poor-cochlear reserve or sensorineural hearing loss
The patient’s mental condition is bad enough to make this hearing increase unnecessary
No results despite repeated operations Having experienced prosthetic extrusion
many times Irreversible dysfunction of the Eustachian
tube and/or middle ear mucosa
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contraindications for ossiculoplasty are listed in Table24.1 [37, 38]. Although the reconstruction performed for stapedial xation falls under the umbrella of ossiculoplasty, it is often distinguished by terms such as stapes surgery, otoscle­rosis surgery, or stapedioplasty. If ossiculoplasty is contraindicated, offering a hearing aid for auditory improvement becomes a prudent alternative. Additionally, when considering surgery for a single or a well-hearing ear, reconstruction options with a relatively low risk of cochlear damage should be preferred.

24.5 Reconstruction Materials

Autograft ossicles are considered the most ideal reconstruction material. However, synthetic prostheses (70%), ossicles (25.1%), and cartilage (4.9%) are commonly used [39]. The recommended primary material is autograft, but synthetic materials have gained preference over the years. Notable examples include titanium prosthe­ses, bone cement, and hydroxyapatite-Teon composite prostheses with titanium necks. These materials can be summarized as follows:
1. Autografts (ossicles, cartilage, cortical bone, etc.)
2. Allografts (ossicles, cartilage, teeth, cortical bone, etc.)
3. Metals (gold, steel, platinum, titanium).
4. Polymers (plastipore, proplast, teon).
5. Ceramics (ceravital, bioglass, hydroxyapatite).
6. Alloplast materials (carbon-carbon, ionomeric cement).
The properties that an ideal reconstruction material should have been as follows:
1. Easy to nd.
2. Easy shaping and placement.
3. Biocompatibility.
4. Non-resorbable and non-xed.
5. Low extrusion rate.
6. Low cost.
7. Good and permanent result.
8. Compatibility with magnetic resonance imaging.
Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. These are summarized in Table24.2 [40].
It can be seen from the table that the relatively most ideal reconstruction mate­rial is autograft ossicles. However, most authors reported that they used synthetic prostheses (70%), ossicles (25.1%), and cartilage (4.9%), respectively [39]. As the chapter authors, we think that the primary material should be autograft, but we have tended to prefer synthetic materials over the years. These are titanium pros­theses, bone cement, and hydroxyapatite-teon composite prostheses with tita­nium necks.
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Table 24.2 Advantages and disadvantages of the materials used in ossicular chain reconstruction
Advantage/disadvantage Advantages Good and permanent result ++ +
Low extrusion rate ++ +
Easy to nd ++
Easy shaping
Biocompatibility ++ +
Lower costs ++
Disadvantages Limited use due to disease +
Preparation phase + +
Resorption
Fixation + + +
Morbidity at the donor site +
Disease transmission
Reaction/infection
*
Diseases such as AIDS, Jacob-Creutzfeldt, hepatitis etc.
*
Autograft Allograft Alloplast
+/ +/
+/
+/ +/
+
G. Tanyeri Toker et al.
Composite
+/
+/ + +
+ +
+/ +/
+ +
++
+
24.6 Evaluation ofthePatients
Patient History A comprehensive patient history is crucial. Patients usually present with signs and symptoms of hearing loss, ear discharge, pain, dizziness, tinnitus, and facial paresis/paralysis. When these symptoms appear, their relationship with time (i.e., whether they are intermittent or continuous), duration, association, and progression should be explored. The patient’s general health status, coexisting conditions, medica­tions used, and smoking status should be assessed. Understanding patient’s and physi­cian’s expectations from surgery is essential to minimize postoperative issues.
Physical Examination During physical examinations, ear, nose, throat, head, and neck examinations and systemic examinations should be performed, and the nd­ings should be noted. The condition of the auricle in the ear where the operation is planned, including the presence of an incision or trauma scars, and the existence of any congenital anomalies should be evaluated. The evaluation of the external ear canal is important for determining the surgical approach. The diameter of the canal, shape (straight or curved), and the presence of cerumen, debris, discharge, protrud­ing lesions, or infections should be evaluated. Tympanic membrane examination is also crucial. Given that the ears requiring ossiculoplasty are typically associated with chronic otitis media (COM) cases, the tympanic membrane is usually perfo­rated. However, in certain situations, such as COM sequelae, congenital ossicular defects, and traumatic situations, the tympanic membrane may remain intact. Retraction or adhesions may also occur. In the event of a perforation, the status of the perforation and the tympanic cavity visible through the perforation should be evaluated. In the presence of pathological tissue, the priority is to remove these tis­sues and ensure a well-ventilated tympanic cavity covered with dry, healthy mucosa. If needed, the ossiculoplasty may be postponed until the second session.
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Audiological Evaluation Before ossiculoplasty, pure-tone and speech audiometry must be performed for medicolegal reasons. By determining the air and bone con­duction thresholds, predictions can be made regarding the conditions of the ossicu­lar chain, cochlear reserve, and hearing gain that can be expected following the surgery. Information regarding the functional status of the opposite ear is obtained for patient selection. If the tympanic membrane is intact, then tympanometry and stapes reex tests are performed. In general, an air–bone gap of 30dB generally indicates ossicular erosion or xation. However, pathological tissues, such as cho­lesteatoma, polyps, and granulation tissues, may mask real hearing loss by falsely contributing to sound transmission.
For patients with tympanic membrane perforation and hearing loss, a patch test could provide valuable insights. This test can be performed using a cigarette paper, a soaked gel lm, or a thin piece of silastic cover. Although this test is often neglected preoperatively, it is simple and useful. During the procedure, audiome­try is initially performed. Then, the paper is closed over the perforation to simu­late a scenario as if intact tympanic membrane was intact post-surgery. Subsequently, a repeat audiometry is performed, yielding three possible out­comes: hearing thresholds may partially or completely improve, remain the same, or worsen. When hearing thresholds recover completely or almost completely, it is understood that the ossicular chain is normal, hearing loss is caused by perfora­tion, and hearing will improve if the tympanic membrane perforation is repaired. In other cases, the integrity or mobility of the ossicular chain is impaired owing to ossicular xation, dislocation, or erosion; therefore, ossicular chain reconstruc­tion is necessary.
Patients often misconstrue hearing loss as an inability to understand what they hear (i.e., low discrimination). Therefore, speech audiometry should be performed in patients undergoing ossiculoplasty. Evaluating the functional status of the contra­lateral ear is important for proper patient selection. If the tympanic membrane is intact, tympanometry and stapes reex tests are performed. To preoperatively evalu­ate the eustachian tube function in the ear to be operated on and the opposite ear, the Automated Williams Test (Eustachian Tube Function Test-1 [ETF-1]) and the Automated Toynbee Test (Eustachian Tube Function Test-2 [ETF-2]) are routinely performed.
Radiological Evaluation Advanced imaging techniques, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, should be performed to predict possible pitfalls and medicolegal considerations. The indications for imaging include (1) revision surgery, (2) hearing loss too profound to be explained by examination ndings, (3) discrimination score lower than expected, and (4) presence or suspicion of cholesteatoma. Some surgeons may consider radiologi­cal examinations as unnecessary when ossiculoplasty alone is performed. Other surgeons, including the authors of this chapter, routinely order computed tomog­raphy to foresee possible pitfalls and to take precautions against medicolegal problems.
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Patient Selection and Information Patient selection is very important in ossicu­loplasty, which is a functional surgery. It is very critical to determine which patients should not be operated, not which patients should be operated. The important fac­tors in this selection are as follows:
1. The age of the patient (it would be more appropriate to eliminate hearing loss
using hearing aids in patients over 65years of age).
2. General health and mental condition (ossiculoplasty is contraindicated in men-
tally retarded patients).
3. Presence of otic capsule anomaly.
4. Single ear or good hearing ear.
5. Functional status of the Eustachian tube.
6. The problem of ventilation of the tympanic cavity.
7. Postoperative hearing aid need in the presence of mixed hearing loss.
8. Whether enough hearing gain can be achieved to contribute to the comfort of life.
After the patient selection is made and the ossiculoplasty operation is decided, it is both the duty of the surgeon and a legal obligation to inform the patient. For this reason, the situations that should be explained to the patient and stated in detail in the consent form are as follows:
1. Anesthesia technique.
2. Surgery. (a) Technique. (b) Duration. (c) Postoperative. (i) Possible complaints. (ii) Recovery period. (iii) Nature, number, and duration of care, dressing, and controls. (iv) Lifestyle changes and restrictions. (d) Success rate. (e) Cost.

24.7 Surgical Preparation

Ossiculoplasty is a comprehensive surgical intervention for the tympanic cavity or tympanomastoid surgery, trauma surgery, or anomaly surgery. Each surgeon should access the tympanic cavity using his or her preferred approach according to his or her experience. When performing ossiculoplasty, surgeons utilize their own modi­ed techniques derived from basic approaches rather than relying on a standard­ized method.
Equipment The equipment required for ossiculoplasty are:
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1. Operating microscope/endoscope.
2. Standard ear microsurgery set (Fig.24.2).
3. Reconstruction material.
4. Ossicle holder and drills for shaping (for autograft/allograft).
Surgical Imaging Although microscopes are still the main surgical imaging meth­ods [41, 42], endoscopes can also be used in ossiculoplasty [43, 44]. Endoscopic ossiculoplasty has been reported to provide better imaging and early audiological outcomes than microscopic techniques, although the long-term audiological results and the incidence of complications remain similar [45, 46]. A comparison of the two methods is presented in Table24.3 [40].
Anesthesia Ossiculoplasty can be performed under intravenous (IV) sedation/ local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on whether other otological procedures are planned. If tympanomastoidectomy is planned, ossiculoplasty can be performed under general anesthesia. If the goal is to restore ossicular continuity in an ear without any active disease, ossiculoplasty can be performed under IV sedation or local anesthesia. As chapter authors, we prefer general anesthesia. For individuals who prefer sedation, premedication is administered 30–60 min before surgery. Premedication options include peroral diazepam, intramuscular 1–1.5 mg/kg pethidine (10 mg), and intramuscular 0.1 mg/kg midazolam options.
Fig. 24.2 Standard (left) and instruments designed for endoscopic surgery (right) used in ossiculoplasty
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Table 24.3 Comparison of endoscopic and microscopic ossiculoplasty
Microscopic
Working in the narrow/curved EEC Difcult Easy Number of working hands Both hands Single hand The need for drilling More Less Need for frequent cleaning None Present Learning surgery Faster Slower Image Visual angle Narrow Wide Zoom in New generation is good Good Angled view None Possible Depth perception/3D Good Not good
EEC external ear canal, 3D 3-dimensional
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Endoscopic
Inltration Anesthesia A mixture of 1:100,000 epinephrine and 1% lidocaine was
administered for anesthesia regardless of the chosen approach. However, the amount and application area varied depending on the approach employed. In the retroau­ricular approach, inltration is performed into the incision line and external ear canal quadrants by injecting the retroauricular region. The meatus is then opened with a speculum, and inltration is applied to the anterior quadrant, then the upper quadrant by entering between the tragus and the helix. In the transcanal approach, only external ear canal inltration alone is sufcient.

24.8 Surgical Technique

Approaches As in other ear surgeries, ossiculoplasty can be performed through
three approaches. These are (1) Retroauricular (postauricular) approach, (2) Endaural approach, and (3) Transcanal (endomeatal, transmeatal) approach. As the authors of this chapter, we prefer the retroauricular approach when mastoid surgery is required in the same session and the transcanal or endaural approach if mastoid­ectomy is not necessary. The endaural approach is favored if the use of a microscope is needed owing to the presence of stenosis in the cartilaginous external ear canal.
Reaching the Tympanic cavity and Evaluation of the Cavity After incisions are made according to this approach, a tympanomeatal ap is created and elevated to reach the tympanic cavity. Important landmarks such as the chorda tympani, long crus of the incus, stapes, stapes muscle tendon, round window niche, and cochleari­form process are evaluated.
The condition of the cavity signicantly inuences ossiculoplasty success, necessitating the identication and removal of mucosal abnormalities (edema and hyperplasia) and pathological formations (polyps, granulation tissue, brotic bands, and cholesteatoma). The existence of traps (such as vascular anomalies, carotid canal dehiscence, high jugular bulb, persistent stapedial artery, fallopian canal
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dehiscence, and wide cochlear aqueduct) should be considered, to prevent complications.
Checking Ossicular Chain and Determination of the Defect Both the integrity and mobility of the ossicular chain should be assessed. For this purpose, surgeons should verify whether the movement can be transferred to the base of the stapes. Furthermore, light movement should be observed in the round window niche. Even if an ossicular defect is detected, the mobility of the other ossicles should be evaluated.
The classication made by Austin and later modied by Kartush is commonly utilized to categorize ossicular chain defects [11, 47]. Once the nature and size of the defect are determined based on this classication, the most appropriate recon­struction method (see Reconstruction Methods) and material are selected.
Reconstruction Material Selection and Adjustment The selection of reconstruc­tion materials is performed by considering the advantages and disadvantages (Table 24.2). Synthetic materials with high biocompatibility should be preferred. Direct contact of the synthetic prosthesis with the tympanic membrane or graft should be avoided, with the cartilage placed in between.
Autograft ossicular repositioning is frequently performed during ossiculoplasty. In such cases, the ossicle is converted into a suitable prosthesis. This step, inherently susceptible to errors and time-consuming until surgeons accumulate experience, typically requires a few minutes for completion. Using specially designed clamps, such as Sheehy locked forceps or a small hemostatic clamp, the ossicle is carefully held in place, while a small cutting-drilling tip is used for shaping the ossicle with­out causing thermal damage. The ossicle is usually shaped as a partial ossicular replacement prosthesis, total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP), or partial incus replacement prosthesis. When the incus is utilized as the ossicle and is posi­tioned between the head of the stapes and manubrium, the long crus is cut. Subsequently, a hole (acetabulum) is created on the short crus where the head of the stapes will be. Simultaneously, a groove is made on the other side, where the manu­brium will be. To reduce the risk of xation, the outer surface of the shaped ossicle must be polished thoroughly. To establish a solid connection with the head of the stapes, the interior of the open hole should not have a shiny surface but should remain jagged. Retaining bone shavings in the hole may prove advantageous. If the shaped ossicle is not intended to be positioned beneath the manubrium, the creation of a groove is unnecessary; if it is not intended to be positioned on the head of the stapes and is to be placed on the base of the stapes or on stapedotomy/stapedectomy, the acetabulum should remain unopened.
If the malleus is chosen as the ossicle, the malleus head is adjusted such that it is positioned under the tympanic membrane. The hole, located at the stapes head, is opened toward the malleus neck. The malleus is shaped as TORP, with the tip of its manubrium at the base of the stapes and its head under the tympanic membrane. On
490
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occasion, the ossicle can be shaped to serve as a partial incus replacement prosthesis (e.g., the Applebaum prosthesis). In such instances, an acetabulum is created accord­ing to the stapes head, and a groove is created according to the long crus of the incus.
The length of the material should be slightly larger than the length of the space between the medial and lateral elements, representing the space it will occupy. If the reconstruction material is excessively long, the mobility of the ossicular chain can be restricted due to excessive tension, potentially leading to ossicular fractures. Conversely, reconstruction materials that are too small may fail to establish a con­nection between the medial and lateral elements and may not ensure the transmis­sion of sound energy to the vestibule.
To ascertain the size of the reconstruction material, it is important to determine two specic lengths: (1) the distance between the stapes head/base and malleus neck and (2) the distance between the original tympanic annulus and medial ossicular element. These distances play a critical role in ensuring the stabilization of the pros­thesis and achieving optimal hearing gain. If the calculated distance is too large, resulting in an unsafe, misaligned prosthesis, corrective measures can be imple­mented. This may involve the posterior relocation of the malleus, adjustment of the manubrium posteriorly closer to the stapes, and the meticulous placement of the prosthesis, ensuring a robust and stable reconstruction [48].
Reconstruction Following the preparation of the selected material for ossiculo-
plasty, reconstruction is performed. The overarching principle guiding this proce­dure, applicable to both autograft and synthetic materials, is the meticulous adjustment of size and the appropriate placement of the reconstruction material. A critical element in this process is ensuring that the material is positioned to generate a subtle tension between the medial and lateral structures. The success of the post­operative outcome is contingent upon the stability of reconstruction materials dur­ing checks in the operating. The integrity, strength, and mobility of the new ossicular chains created after reconstruction are assessed.
Reconstruction Methods The type of reconstruction performed on the ossicular chain is determined based on the nature and size of the defects. Austin’s classica­tion was initially utilized to assess the status of the ossicular chain and standardize postoperative reporting and hearing results, which was subsequently modied by Kartush [47].
Reconstruction options according to ossicular chain defects are presented in the tables below (Tables 24.4, 24.5, 24.6, 24.7, 24.8 and 24.9) and pictures of the recon- struction applied for the relevant defect (Figs.24.3, 24.4, 24.5, 24.6, 24.7, 24.8,
24.9, 24.10 and 24.11) are presented under each table.
Repositioning the Flap, Closing the Layers, and Buffering Following recon­struction, the tympanomeatal ap and any graft are carefully positioned in place. To assess the stability of the reconstruction and its contact with the tym­panic membrane/graft, the tympanomeatal ap is gently lifted, allowing for an
24 Ossiculoplasty
Table 24.4 Reconstruction options for incus defects
M+ I- S+ (Austin/Kartush A)
Lenticular process defect Long crus defect/no incus Bone cement (Fig.24.3) Shaped incus interposition (Fig.24.4) Shaped incus interposition PORP between malleus and stapes (Fig.24.5) PORP PORP between tympanic membrane and stapes Partial incus replacement
prosthesis Shaped autograft cortical
bone transposition
M+I-S+ Malleus, present; incus, none; stapes, present
Table 24.5 Reconstruction options for incus and stapes defects
M+ I- S- (Austin/ Kartush B)
TORP (Fig.24.7)
Shaped ossicular transposition
Piston (Fig.24.8)
M+I-S- Malleus, present; incus, none; stapes, none
If the stapes base is intact and mobile, reconstruction is performed between the stapes base and the malleus or tympanic membrane. If the stapes base is absent or xed, the reconstruction is performed between the vestibule and the malleus or tympanic membrane.
Bone cement (Fig.24.6)
Separating the malleus from the tympanic membrane and rotating it onto the head of the stapes (malleus relocation)
Shaped autograft cortical bone transposition Incus replacement prosthesis
491
Table 24.6 Reconstruction options for malleus and incus defects
Table 24.7 Reconstruction options for malleus, incus and stapes defects
M- I- S- (Austin/Kartush D)
TORP (Fig.24.10) If the stapes base is absent or xed, the reconstruction is performed Shaped ossicle or
cortical bone transposition
Allograft tympano­ossicular composite graft
Double or triple cartilage block
M-I-S- Malleus, none; incus, none; stapes, none
between the vestibule and the tympanic membrane; if the base is intact and mobile, the reconstruction is performed between the stapes base and the tympanic membrane.
M- I- S+ (Austin/Kartush C)
PORP (Fig.24.9) Shaped ossicular transposition Double or triple cartilage block depending on the depth of
the tympanic cavity Allograft tympano-ossicular composite graft
M+I-S+ Malleus, present; incus, none; stapes, present